Murray Claims Federer Scalp
Tennis: Andy Murray tonight became only the second player to beat Roger Federer this year, winning in straight sets in Cincinnati.
Barely two weeks since hooking up with new coach Brad Gilbert, Andy Murray today beat world No1 Roger Federer in straight sets.
The 19-year-old became only the second player to defeat Federer in 2006 - after French Open champion Rafael Nadal who has beaten him on four occasions - as he marched into the third round of the Cincinnati Masters.
Murray's 7-5, 6-4 victory came in front of the demanding Gilbert, the man who steered Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick to grand slam triumphs and may well complete a startling hat-trick soon should Murray continue to develop at his present rate.
It was also Murray's first victory over eight-time grand-slam winner Federer, who prevailed when the Scot contested his first ATP final in Bangkok last October, their only previous meeting.
And after reaching the Washington final and the semi-finals in Toronto in his previous two tournaments, it confirmed Murray among the form men heading into the US Open, which begins in New York on August 28.
His progress has been beyond what Murray, Gilbert and the Lawn Tennis Association, who have provided funding to bring Gilbert on board, could have wished for.
In a match which featured a staggering 12 breaks of serve, Murray sealed victory with a breathtaking backhand pass beyond his illustrious opponent.
The 19-year-old became only the second player to defeat Federer in 2006 - after French Open champion Rafael Nadal who has beaten him on four occasions - as he marched into the third round of the Cincinnati Masters.
Murray's 7-5, 6-4 victory came in front of the demanding Gilbert, the man who steered Andre Agassi and Andy Roddick to grand slam triumphs and may well complete a startling hat-trick soon should Murray continue to develop at his present rate.
It was also Murray's first victory over eight-time grand-slam winner Federer, who prevailed when the Scot contested his first ATP final in Bangkok last October, their only previous meeting.
And after reaching the Washington final and the semi-finals in Toronto in his previous two tournaments, it confirmed Murray among the form men heading into the US Open, which begins in New York on August 28.
His progress has been beyond what Murray, Gilbert and the Lawn Tennis Association, who have provided funding to bring Gilbert on board, could have wished for.
In a match which featured a staggering 12 breaks of serve, Murray sealed victory with a breathtaking backhand pass beyond his illustrious opponent.
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